Vital Information Kristen Loper, RN, BSN Clinic Nurse Educator Billings Clinic
Vital Signs are VITAL!!! Temperature Pulse Respirations Blood Pressure
Who can take vitals?
ALWAYS… Identify yourself Identify your patient Wash your hands Explain what you are doing
Temperature Oral – considerations, technique Tympanic – technique Normal ranges
Pulse and Respirations Considerations Finding an artery Irregular vs. regular How do you count breathing? Irregular vs. regular Normal ranges
Blood Pressure Considerations Equipment Choosing an arm Patient prep
Blood Pressure (cont’d) Technique: Use of stethoscope Applying the cuff Bulb/valve Meter How high do you go? You’re ready!!
Blood Pressure (cont’d) Systolic vs. diastolic Normal ranges DOCUMENTATION!!
LET’S GIVE IT A TRY!!